With cold winter weather on the way, now is the time to make sure your outdoor plants are protected from the frost.
Winter frost can be a gardener's worst nightmare. Frost can act fast and take over gardens, as plant cells can become damaged the moment it makes contact - resulting in an unpleasant space full of withered plants.
Garden Buildings Direct has some helpful tips to frost-proof your garden. Acting now can make all the difference in ensuring plants survive into spring.
Thin bed sheets
An unusual tip, but it works quite well as a frost blanket. Placing a lightweight bed sheet over plants helps to prevent any gaps of cold air from seeping into leaves and flowers. Make sure not to leave the plants covered for the whole day, otherwise they will not receive any energy from sunlight to convert into nutrients.
Mulch
Keep on top of regular mulching to keep plants warm during winter. Scattering thick organic material around the plants will keep the moisture in the ground and prevent the likelihood of any frost from appearing.
Warm water bottles
Placing two or three water bottles filled with warm water around the plants can help quickly melt the frost off the top. Repeat this step morning and night to help your plants survive the frosty weather.
Clear plastic bags
Covering the plants in zip-up plastic bags keeps the frost from having any close contact and helps retain a healthy amount of moisture. Make sure to go for clear plastic bags so you can keep an eye on their condition. Just don’t leave them on for the full 24 hours.
Regularly wipe off frost
If you keep noticing frost resting on your plants each morning, grab a microfibre cloth and gently wipe it off to prevent it from sinking in and damaging the plant cells. This is a great way to keep veggies such as lettuce and cabbages frost-free throughout winter.
Bring the plants inside
Some plants benefit from growing indoors, and it is vital to look after the vulnerable types which can be harmed by winter frost. Plants such as Sansevieria and dahlia thrive indoors; you can even place them on windowsills so they can still catch some natural sunlight.
Plant buckets
Turning plant buckets upside down to cover the plants also does the job to prevent frost from taking over. Don’t leave them on for more than a day, as the trapped water underneath can cause fungal diseases in the plants. Make sure to do this during particularly frostier nights.
Don’t bin any infected plants
If the plants have already been infested with frost, don’t automatically assume they need to be chucked away. Regrowth tends to happen once the plants are back in warmer temperatures, so if you notice frost is causing damage take them inside until they are looking healthier.
Invest in a greenhouse
If you’re struggling to keep the frost at bay, it is worth investing in a mini greenhouse for the garden for extra reassurance that the plants will survive. To find out more about protecting your plants with greenhouses, visit GardenBuildingsDirect.co.uk
